Dynamic control of smart home using wearable device

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for dynamically controlling an appliance based on information received from a wearable device, to regulate the user&#39;s health. A wearable device is identified and configured to monitor at least one physiological aspect of the user. A controllable appliance with at least one sensor and at least one controllable setting is also identified. Health information of the user is received and utilized in generating, a user profile which comprises parameters related to the health of the user. Data from the wearable device and date from the controllable appliance is analyzed and it is determined whether the data matches the parameters related to the health of the user. If the data does not match the parameters related to the health of the user, then at least one controllable setting of the at least one controllable appliance is adjusted.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of controlling ahome automation system and, in particular, to controlling a homeautomation system by a wearable device, to regulate the user's health.

Advances in electronic technology allow for near instantaneouscommunication and data exchange, while leading to ever smaller devices.Recent advances in sensor technology, as well as the miniaturization ofboth electronics and power sources allow for the scaling down ofcommonly used devices. Specifically, computing devices have benefitedfrom recent advancements in microprocessor design, providingincreasingly complex computations while providing successivelydiminutive size.

Many smart devices provide a user with access to computing capabilitieseven as the user moves about to various locations. Wearabletechnological computing devices include non-intrusive devices a user maywear on their body without impeding daily activities. Common wearabledevices may include a watch, ring, necklace, bracelet or other wristworn device. Such devices may work independently, connect to a network,or sync to another electronic device such as a smart device similar to amobile phone. Many wearable electronic devices include ‘smartness’features which enables them to be programmed to operate in differentmodes. Such devices may have the ability to be programmed for a fixedroutine and can work (start/stop/other operations) accordingly.Alternatively such devices may even be started on an occurrence of aparticular event as well.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method forcontrolling an appliance based on a physiological aspects of a user isprovided, the method comprising: identifying, by one or more processors,a wearable device, with at least one user sensor, wherein the wearabledevice is associated with a user, and wherein the at least one usersensor monitors at least one physiological aspect of the user;identifying, by one or more processors, at least one controllableappliance associated with the user, with at least one appliance sensorand at least one controllable setting; receiving, by one or moreprocessors, health information of the user; in response to receiving thehealth information of the user, generating, by one or more processors, auser profile, wherein the user profile comprises parameters related tothe health of the user; receiving, by one or more processors, a firstset of data from the wearable device and a second set of data from theat least one controllable appliance; determining, by one or moreprocessors, whether the received first set of data and the receivedsecond set of data matches the parameters related to the health of theuser; and in response to determining that the received data does notmatch the parameters related to the health of the user, adjusting, byone or more processors, at least one controllable setting of the atleast one controllable appliance, so that the second set of data fromthe at least one controllable appliance and the first set of data fromthe wearable device matches the user profile.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a computer programproduct for controlling an appliance based on a physiological aspects ofa user, based on the method described above.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a computer systemfor controlling an appliance based on a physiological aspects of a user,based on the method described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a data processingenvironment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a flowchart illustrating the operational steps forcoordinating appliance profiles, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2B is a flowchart illustrating operational steps for controlling auser's environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting communication between components ofFIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the internal and external components of acomputer system, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Electronic devices have become an essential part of daily life. Thesmall size of computing devices allows them to be easily portable andeven wearable. Wearable devices, are unobtrusive for the wearer, as theyare small and light weight.

Advances in electronic technology allow for devices to communicate andexchange data. Many devices have ‘smartness’ features enabling suchdevices to be programmed to operate in different modes. For example,devices may be programmed for a fixed routine providing variousoperations (i.e., start, stop, etc.). For instance, at a predeterminedtime, powering on an air conditioner and/or heater, to make theenvironment comfortable when the user arrives. Similarly, in anotherinstance, at a predetermined time, powering on an oven (with foodalready in it), such that a meal will be ready when the user returnshome from a day at work. Such devices may even be started on anoccurrence of a particular event. For instance, a water pump may engageand fill a water tank on sensing a low water level.

With wide spread of the Internet of things (IOT), there is an emergenceof new abilities to control consumer devices using applications that areinstalled on smart devices (referred to hereinafter as ‘App’). The IOTis the network of physical objects (devices) containing electronicsensors, software and network connectivity, which enable the physicalobjects to collect and exchange data with other physical devices and/orelectronic systems. The IOT, through a network infrastructure, allowsobjects to be sensed and controlled remotely, integrating physicalobjects with electronic computer systems.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, IOT may be used tomonitor and control various mechanical and electrical systems used inone's home. For example, IOT may be used to improve a person's personalcomfort, convenience, and security by controlling lighting, heating,ventilation, air conditioning, appliances, communication systems, andhome security systems. For instance, utilizing a device's trackinginformation, such as location of a user, an App may help automaticallyactivate one or more consumer devices at home on meeting pre-determinedcriteria.

Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods toautomatically utilize a wearable device by receiving and analyzinginputs for various user parameters activities, and then accordinglycontrols/programs the IOT enabled appliances used by the user to ensurethat the health profile of the user is maintained. Additionally,embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods toautomatically control the IOT if the user's normal routine is altered inorder to improve the user's personal comfort, and/or physiologicalhealth.

Embodiments of the present invention derive different user activitiesthat directly and/or indirectly relate with the health of the user, andthrough IOT influence the functioning of smart appliances to benefit theuser's health. The user's health may be determined from the bodytemperature of the user.

It is to be understood that while the concepts included herein arepresented in the context of a wearable device, the concepts disclosedherein may be applied in other contexts as well if the appropriatehardware is available.

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference toFigures. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a dataprocessing environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 1 provides only an illustration of one embodiment anddoes not imply any limitations with regard to the environments in whichdifferent embodiments may be implemented. Many modifications to thedepicted environment may be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, as recited by the claims.

In the depicted embodiment, environment 100 includes server 120, smartappliance 130, wearable device 140, all interconnected over network 110.Server 120, smart appliance 130 and wearable device 140 may includeinternal and external hardware components, as depicted and described infurther detail with respect to FIG. 4.

Network 110 may be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network(WAN), such as the Internet, the public switched telephone network(PSTN), a mobile data network (e.g., wireless Internet provided by athird or fourth generation of mobile phone mobile communication), aprivate branch exchange (PBX), any combination thereof, or anycombination of connections and protocols that will supportcommunications between server 120, smart appliance 130, and wearabledevice 140, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Network 110may include wired, wireless or fiber optic connections. Environment 100may include additional computing devices, servers or other devices notshown.

In the exemplary embodiment, server 120 is a server computer. In otherembodiments, server 120 may be a management server, a web server or anyother electronic device capable of receiving and sending data. Inanother embodiment, server 120 may represent a server computer systemutilizing multiple computers as a server system, such as in a cloudcomputing environment. Server 120 contains dynamic user program 122, andinformation repository 124.

In the various embodiments of the present invention, dynamic userprogram 122 receives various data, for example geographical andphysiological of a user, and determines how to improves the user'spersonal comfort, and/or physiological health corresponding to thedetected received data.

Dynamic user program 122 may track geological locations andphysiological conditions of the user via sensor(s) 142 in wearabledevice 140. Dynamic user program 122 operates generally to control smartappliance 130 based on a user's geological location and physiologicalcondition. Dynamic user program 122 analyzes all information containedin information repository 124 relating to a specific user's wearabledevice 140. While depicted on server 120, in the exemplary embodiment,dynamic user program 122 may be located on wearable device 140,maintaining and managing smart appliances 130.

In an embodiment dynamic user program 122 receives various data, forexample geographical and physiological of a user. Dynamic user program122 may analyze data received from sensor(s) 132 and sensor(s) 142.

Dynamic user program 122 may analyze data received from additionalsensor(s) not show in environment 100. Dynamic user program 122, may forexample intelligently track numerous aspects of a user based oninformation received from sensor(s) 142. Utilizing at least onesensor(s) 142, the wearable program may detect various geographical andphysiological aspects of a user, which correlate to specificpredetermined activity.

For example, dynamic user program 122 may detect a routinely occurringactivity pattern for a specific day, date and/or time. Thereby if theuser breaks from his regular routine, dynamic user program 122 willautomatically adjust smart appliance 130 accordingly.

In another example, dynamic user program 121 may detect a spike in auser's physiological condition, and automatically adjust smart appliance130 to assist the user accordingly. For example, if a user's heartrateand temperate rise, dynamic user program 122 may determine a user isworking out and automatically adjust the thermostat at the user's houseto best suit the user. In another example, sensors determine that theuser is sleeping, dynamic user program 122 may derive a specific meal toeat when the user wakes up conforming to the user's health profile asprovided by a dietitian.

Dynamic user program 122 may include a user interface allowing a user tointeract with the program and set baseline parameters. The userinterface may be a graphical user interface. For example, the graphicaluser interface may include a dashboard to view a listing of allregistered smart appliances, ability to remove a smart appliance,ability to add a new smart appliance as well as details of the user'sphysiological parameters.

Information repository 124 may include any suitable volatile ornon-volatile computer readable storage media, and may include randomaccess memory (RAM) and cache memory (not depicted in FIG. 1). Dynamicuser program 122 may be stored in a persistent storage component (notdepicted) for execution and/or access by one or ore of processor(s) viaone or more memories (for more detail refer to FIG. 4). Alternatively,or in addition to a magnetic hard disk drive, the persistent storagecomponent can include a solid state hard drive, a semiconductor storagedevice, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory(EPROM), flash memory, or any other computer readable storage media thatis capable of storing program instructions or digital information.

Information repository 124 can be implemented using any architectureknown in the art such as, for example, a relational database, anobject-oriented database and/or one or more tables. Informationrepository 124 stores actual, modeled, predicted, or otherwise derivedpatterns of movement based on sensor data. For example, informationrepository 124 stores all information received from wearable device 140.Information repository 124 may contain lookup tables, databases, charts,graphs, functions, equations, and the like that dynamic user program 122may access to both maintain a specific parameter as well as manipulatevarious parameters on smart appliance 130. Information stored ininformation repository 124 may include: various geographical locations,specific physiological actions linked to the various geographicallocations, various user patterns, and the like. While depicted on server120, in the exemplary embodiment, information repository 124 may be on aremote server or a “cloud” of computers interconnected by one or morenetworks utilizing clustered computers and components to act as a singlepool of seamless resources, accessible to dynamic user program 122 vianetwork 110.

In various embodiments of the present invention, smart appliances 130presents any physical object of the IOT which may be controlled toaffect the physiological wellbeing of a user, and/or increase theoverall environment efficiency by minimizing wasted electricity. It isnoted that although FIG. 1 depicts only one smart appliance 130, therecan be numerous smart appliances receiving commands from dynamic userprogram 122. For example, smart appliance 130 many include a user'soven, car, smart phone, smart TV, heating air conditioning andventilation (HVAC) equipment, etc.

Smart appliance 130 is controlled by dynamic user program 122. In thevarious embodiments of the present invention, smart appliance 130 mayrepresents an air conditioning unit, a heating unit, a ventilationsystem, cooking equipment or any other type of object associated withthe IOT. Smart appliance 130 includes sensor(s) 132.

Sensor(s) 132 detect and/or measure various environmental aspects in oraround smart appliance 130. Utilizing the IOT, sensor(s) 132 detectsaspects of the physical world, and integrates such measurements into theelectronic system. In an embodiment of the present invention, sensor(s)132 may detect the ambient temperature of smart appliance 130, andtransmit such information to dynamic user program 122. For example, ifdynamic user program 122 determines that the temperature of a user'shouse needs be at a specific level in order to maintain the user's idealphysiological temperature, then through sensor(s) 132, dynamic userprogram 122 will know either to change (raise or lower the temperature)or maintain the current temperature of smart appliance 130.

Smart appliance 130 allows for automatic customization by dynamic userprogram 122. For example, smart appliance 130 may be controlled via athermostatic control interface for an air conditioning or heating unit,wherein dynamic user program 122 can raise or lower the environmentaltemperature based on the user's determined geographical and/orphysiological need. In another example, smart appliance 130 may becontrolled via thermostatic control interface for an oven, whereindynamic user program 122 can raise the oven temperature based on theuser's determined geographical and/or physiological need.

In the various embodiments of the present invention, wearable device 140represents wearable devices. For example, wearable device 140 might besmart watches, capable of detecting various inputs and transmitting datato server 120. Wearable device 140 may be multi-purpose devices that,for example, include a telephone, or digital music player, a fitnesstracker, a ring, etc. Examples of wearable device 140 include, but arenot limited to, a ring, a bracelet, a wristband or a wristwatch.Generally, wearable device 140 is wearable and able to detect variousgeographical and physiological aspects of the user. In an exemplaryembodiment, wearable device 140 is a device worn by a user. Wearabledevice 140 includes sensor(s) 142.

Wearable device 140 may be provided in various form factors and may bedesigned to be worn in a variety of ways. In some embodiments of thepresent invention, a wearable device 140 is a smart watch. A smart watchis a computerized wristwatch with functionality that is enhanced beyondmere time keeping; rather a smart watch is essentially a wearablecomputer. Many smart watches can run applications, while others containadditional capabilities, for example, making and receiving phone calls,replacing a traditional smart phone. In other embodiments of the presentinvention, a wearable device 140 is a wrist band.

In an embodiment, wearable device may include a user interface (notshow), allowing the user to override, if necessary, dynamic user program122. A user interface may include a graphical user interface.

Sensor(s) 142 sense, detect and/or measure various movements andphysiological conditions of a user. For example, sensor(s) 142 mightdetect motion of the user, via accelerometers, gyroscopes etc.Similarly, sensor(s) 142 may include access to a global positioningsystem (GPS) allowing dynamic user program 122 to determine the exactlocation and speed to travel of the user. Additionally, senor(s) 142 maydetect physiological aspects of the user such as body temperature, heartrate, blood pressure, and the like. Sensor(s) 142 may be any sensor orsensor system known in the art to assist dynamic user program 122 indetermining aspects of the user, in order ensure the health of the user.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any arrangement ofinput sensors may include on wearable device 140 to receive data of theuser. Sensors 142 of wearable device 140 may include, but are notlimited to, accelerometers, gyroscope, thermometer, altimeter,barometer, compass, location determining device (e.g., GPS), proximitysensors, motion detectors, touch sensors, or the like. As one skilled inthe art may see, any sensor or sensor combination in wearable device 140may be used without deviating from the invention, as sensor(s) 142permit a user to interact with wearable device 140.

Wearable device 140 may include an information repository as well asadditional components not shown.

In an embodiment, wearable device 140 may leverage other devicesexternal to the wearable device such as a mobile phone or a personalcomputer. For example, wearable device 140 may access a user's smart TVto determine how much television the user watched and recommend lowcalorie food as the user may have been inactive for a period of time.

The concepts disclosed and discussed herein, may be applied to both, astandalone wearable device (similar to that of wearable device 140) aswell as a wearable device that leverages functionalities provided inexternal devices, e.g., smartphones, wireless headphones, etc.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. FIG. 2A is flowchart 200Aillustrating operational steps for coordinating appliance profiles, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B isflowchart 200B illustrating operational steps for controlling a user'senvironment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Flowchart 200A depicts dynamic user program 122 acquisition ofinformation and determining an appropriate user profile. In step 210,dynamic user program 122, detects a wearable device, similar to that ofwearable device 140, of FIG. 1. In an embodiments, a wearable device maybe capable of detecting various user parameters such as one's physicalconditions. Similarly, in an embodiment, the detected wearable devicemay detect and/or determine a user's activity level. For example, thedetected wearable device providing physiological conditions on the usermay provide details such as, the sleep the user had, the kind of workingthe user had completed, the type of workout completed, users currentbody temperature and the like. In an embodiment wearable device maysense the user's surroundings, such as temperature, barometric pressure,humidity level etc. An embodiment of the present invention may alsonotate the time of each sensor reading.

Wearable device 140 may keep track of the user's physiologicalconditions. Alternatively, an information repository associated withwearable device or dynamic user program 122 may keep track of the user'sphysiological conditions. A user's physiological conditions may includeworkout duration, workout intensity, calorie count, sleep duration, bodytemperate, daily routine, etc.

In step 212 dynamic user program 122 receives at least on controllablesmart appliance, similarly to that of smart appliance 130 of FIG. 1. Inan embodiment, smart appliance 130 has an ability to communicate withdynamic user program 122. In an embodiment, smart appliance 130 may beregistered and/or controlled by dynamic user program 122. In anembodiment smart appliance 130 may be controlled directly from wearabledevice 140.

Optionally in step 212, dynamic user program 122 may receive a healthprofile of a user. In an embodiment, dynamic user program 122 mayreceive a health profile as created by a user's doctor, dietitian,family member, or any other individual who has knowledge of the user andcan assist the user in creating a health profile. Alternatively, oradditionally, dynamic user program 122 may generate the health profileof the user by prompting the user with multiple questions andphysiological readings in order to create a baseline of the user.

In step 214, dynamic user program 122, generates a profile for theappliances based on the user's health profile (as received in step 220).In an embodiment, dynamic user program 122, may utilize various readingsfrom smart appliance 130 and will determine IOT appliance settings thatcomply with the health profile of the user. Based on the generatedprofile of appliances, dynamic user program 122, may, based on theimmediate health needs of the user, automatically alter the smartappliances.

Flowchart 200B depicts dynamic user program 122 acquiring of informationfrom sensors and determining an appropriate environment for the user. Instep 210, dynamic user program 122, receives information from a user'swearable device 140 and/or from a smart appliance 130 registered to auser's wearable device 140. Received information may relate to anyphysiological condition of the user as sensed by a sensor 142 onwearable device 140.

In step 224, dynamic user program 122, analyzes the data and demineswhether the environment corresponds to the user health profile asgenerated in step 214. Based on the physiological conditions and therespective attributes obtained by wearable device 140 for a user,dynamic user program 122, manages all the registered consumer smartdevices and automatically adjusts each device to be best suited for theuser. If in step 224 it is determined that the environment is within theparameters set within the user health profile, then dynamic user program122, returns to step 220 waiting to receive new data on the user.

However, if the environment does not correspond to the user healthprofile, then the step 226, dynamic user program 122 adjusts theenvironment by controlling one or more smart devices. Dynamic userprogram 122 achieves automatic customization of the user's appliances asthe program dynamically adapts following the user's physiologicalattributes obtained from the user's wearable device. In an embodiment,dynamic user program 122, ensures no adverse impact on the user'shealth. In an embodiment, dynamic user program 122, optimizes the usageof the consumer appliances, as they are utilized only when necessary asthey adapt specifically to the user.

In an embodiment, based on the received readings in step 220, dynamicuser program 122 will inform the smart appliances about the requiredsettings that comply with the user health profile of the user. Therebythe smart appliance will adjust to meet the health needs of the user.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram depictingcommunication between components of FIG. 1, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. Embodiment 300 portrays thecommunication between three components, wearable device 140, dynamicuser program 122, and smart appliance 130. It is noted that embodiment300 may contain additional components not shown, for example, there canbe more than one smart appliance.

Line 310 represents wearable device 140's continuous monitor of a user'sphysiological attributes. Line 310 also represents syncing andcommunicating the user's physiological attributes to dynamic userprogram 122.

Line 320 represents the syncing of smart appliances 130 current state todynamic user program 122. Smart appliance 130 sends currentenvironmental status updates to dynamic user program 122. In return fora status update coupled with the user's physiological condition, line,325 represents dynamic user program 122 automatic customization of smartappliances 130, based on wearable data.

In an exemplary embodiment, dynamic user program 122 oversees andprevents health issues if a user's schedule changes. For instance, if anindividual is in a hot environment, and suddenly switches to a coldenvironment, then the individual may face health issues such as, anasthma attack or dry skin. For example, dynamic user program 122detects, from wearable device 140, that the user is working out and in awarm environment and dynamic user program 122 detects, from the user'ssmart air conditioning appliance, that the user's house is set too cool:then the dynamic user program 122 may override the preset temperature ofthe smart air conditioning unit and fine tune the actual temperature tomeet the physiological needs of the user. Further, if dynamic userprogram 122 determines the user is 20 minutes away from the house ittake 13 minutes to bring the temperature of the house to the idealsetting, then dynamic user program 122, may engage the air conditioning7 minutes after the determination, to most effectively and efficientlyuse electricity in conjunction to benefiting the user's health.

Similarly, dynamic user program 122, may even preset the user's watertemperature in the shower to align the user's physiological conditions,in particular the user's body temperature.

In an exemplary embodiment, dynamic user program 122, may override apredefined smart appliance schedule due to a change in the user'sschedule. For example, if the user has a daily routine of waking up inthe morning, placing a high caloric dinner in the microwave oven to eatafter work, going to the gym, then work, then on his way home from workat a certain predefined distance, the microwave oven automatically turnson, cooking his meal so it is ready when the user arrives at homefollowing his day at work. However, it the user's routine changed as theuser skipped the gym, then the user would need to alter the predefinedprogram set for the microwave oven, as the food may not be recommendedif the user did not work out. Therefore, dynamic user program 122detects, from wearable device 140, that the user did not work out today,breaking from the normal pattern. Therefore, dynamic user program 122determines that the user should not eat a high caloric dinner, and willinterrupt the predefined program for the microwave oven.

In this exemplary embodiment, dynamic user program 122, may assist theuser in determining what to eat based on current physiologicalconditions. For example, if a dietitian provided the user with a dietApp to help the user order food, dynamic user program 122 may recommendspecific food based on whether the user received less sleep, partook inan unplanned activity, or exhibited measurable signs of stress.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of internal and external components of acomputer system 400, which is representative of the computer systems ofFIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Itshould be appreciated that FIG. 4 provides only an illustration of oneimplementation, and does not imply any limitations with regard to theenvironments in which different embodiments may be implemented. Manymodifications to the depicted environment may be made.

Computer system 400 includes communication fabric 402, which providescommunication between computer processor(s) 404, memory 406, persistentstorage 408, communications unit 412, and input/output (I/O)interface(s) 414. Communications fabric 402 can be implemented with anyarchitecture designed for passing data and/or control informationbetween processors (such as microprocessors, communications and networkprocessors, etc.), system memory, peripheral devices, and any otherhardware components within a system. For example, communications fabric402 can be implemented with one or more buses.

Memory 406 and persistent storage 408 are computer readable storagemedia. In this embodiment, memory 406 includes random access memory(RAM) 416 and cache memory 418. In general, memory 406 can include anysuitable volatile or non-volatile computer readable storage media.

Persistent storage 408 may include, for example, a pluarlity of magnetichard disk drives. Programs are stored in persistent storage 408 forexecution and/or access by one or more of the respective computerprocessors 404 via one or more memories of memory 406. In thisembodiment, persistent storage 408 includes a magnetic hard disk drive.Alternatively, or in addition to a magnetic hard disk drive, persistentstorage 408 can include a solid state hard drive, a semiconductorstorage device, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EPROM), flash memory, or any other computer readable storagemedia that is capable of storing program instructions or digitalinformation.

The media used by persistent storage 408 may also be removable. Forexample, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage 408.Other examples include optical and magnetic disks, thumb drives, andsmart cards that are inserted into a drive for transfer onto anothercomputer readable storage medium that is also part of persistent storage408.

Communications unit 412, in these examples, provides for communicationswith other data processing systems or devices. In these examples,communications unit 412 includes one or more network interface cards.Communications unit 412 may provide communications through the use ofeither or both physical and wireless communications links. Software anddata used to practice embodiments of the present invention can bedownloaded to computer system 400 through communications unit 412 (i.e.,via the Internet, a local area network, or other wide area network).From communications unit 412, the software and data may be loaded topersistent storage 408.

I/O interface(s) 414 allows for input and output of data with otherdevices that may be connected to computer system 400. For example, I/Ointerface 414 may provide a connection to external devices 420, such asa keyboard, keypad, a touch screen, and/or some other suitable inputdevice. External devices 420 can also include portable computer readablestorage media such as, for example, thumb drives, portable optical ormagnetic disks, and memory cards. Software and data used to practiceembodiments of the present invention, can be stored on such portablecomputer readable storage media and can be loaded onto persistentstorage 108 via I/O interface(s) 414, I/O interface(s) 414 also connectto a display 422.

Display 422 provides a mechanism to display data to a user and may be,for example, a computer monitor. Display 422 can also be an incorporateddisplay and may function as a touch screen, such as a built-in displayof a tablet computer.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific exmples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be eonconstrued as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves orother freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic wavespropagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., lightpulses passing through a fiber optic cable), or electrical signalstransmitted through a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in computer readable storage medium within therespective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instruction for carrying out operations of thepresent invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA) orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations or blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes by executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts to carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present inventionhave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles ofthe embodiment, the practical application or technical improvement overtechnologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinaryskill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A device comprising: memory; and a processorconnected to the memory, the processor configured to: control acontrollable appliance at a location according to a predefined schedule;detect a wearable device worn by a user at the location; receivephysiological data indicative of a physiological aspect of the user, thephysiological data being measured by a user sensor at the wearabledevice; and override the predefined schedule based on the physiologicaldata to control the controllable appliance to operate according to thephysiological data.
 22. The device of claim 21, wherein the controllableappliance comprises a heating unit, an air conditioner, or both aheating unit and an air conditioner, wherein the predefined scheduleincludes a preset temperature for the controllable appliance, andwherein the physiological aspect relates to a body temperature of theuser.
 23. The device of claim 21 further comprising an appliance sensor,wherein the processor is configured to control the controllableappliance according to the predefined schedule and the appliance sensor.24. The device of claim 21, wherein the user sensor at the wearabledevice includes a temperature sensor,
 25. The device of claim 21,wherein the physiological aspect includes a body temperature of theuser,
 26. The device of claim 21, wherein the user sensor at thewearable device determines heart rate of the user.
 27. The device ofclaim 21, wherein the physiological aspect includes an activity of theuser.
 28. The device of claim 21 further comprising a communicationsunit to connect to a server configured to store the predefined schedule,the physiological data, or both the predefined schedule and thephysiological data.
 29. A non-transitory computer-readable mediumcomprising instruction that, when executed by a processor, cause theprocessor to: control a controllable appliance at a location accordingto a predefined schedule; detect a wearable device worn by a user at thelocation; receive physiological data indicative of a physiologicalaspect of the user, the physiological data being measured by a usersensor at the wearable device; and override the predefined schedulebased on the physiological data to control the controllable appliance tooperate according to the physiological data.
 30. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 29, wherein the controllable appliancecomprises a heating unit, an air conditioner, or both a heating unit andan air conditioner, wherein the predefined schedule includes a presettemperature for the controllable appliance, and wherein thephysiological aspect relates to a body temperature of the user.
 31. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 29, wherein theinstructions are further to control the controllable appliance accordingto the predefined schedule and an appliance sensor.
 32. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 29, wherein the usersensor at the wearable device includes a temperature sensor.
 33. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 29, wherein thephysiological aspect includes a body temperature of the user.
 34. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 29, wherein the usersensor at the wearable device determines heart rate of the user.
 35. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 29, wherein thephysiological aspect includes an activity of the user.
 36. A servercomprising: memory; and a processor connected to the memory, theprocessor configured to: control a controllable appliance at a locationdistant from the server according to a predefined schedule; receivephysiological data indicative of a physiological aspect of a user, thephysiological data being measured by a user sensor at a wearable deviceworn by the user; and override the predefined schedule based on thephysiological data to control the controllable appliance to operateaccording to the physiological data.
 37. The server of claim 36, whereinthe controllable appliance comprises a heating unit, an air conditioner,or both a heating unit and an air conditioner, wherein the predefinedschedule includes a preset temperature for the controllable appliance,and wherein the physiological aspect relates to a body temperature ofthe user,
 38. The server of claim 36 further comprising a communicationsunit connected to the processor, the communications unit to communicatewith a device at the controllable appliance, communication with thedevice including the predefined schedule, the physiological data, andthe override the predefined schedule,
 39. The device of claim 36,wherein the physiological data includes data indicative of usertemperature, user heart rate, or both user temperature and user heartrate.